When I am working out, I listen to inspirational speeches.

In the forge of human strength and character, there are moments when we need more than just the physical tools to endure—we need the fire of inspiration to ignite our spirits and push us to greatness. Julian Edelman, in his reflection on his personal routine, reveals this truth when he says, "When I am working out, I listen to inspirational speeches." This admission speaks to a deep understanding of the mind-body connection—that the strength of the body is often propelled by the power of the mind. When we face the grind of physical exertion, it is not merely the body that endures but the soul that must be called upon to rise, to overcome, and to push through. **Edelman’s use of inspirational speeches is a reminder that our greatest battles are often won in the realm of the spirit, long before our bodies even begin to move.

The ancients, too, understood the importance of the mind in the journey to greatness. The Spartan warriors, who were trained not only in physical combat but also in the mental fortitude required to endure battle, often gathered to hear the words of their leaders before they went into combat. King Leonidas, in the legendary story of the Battle of Thermopylae, did not merely rely on the strength of his warriors, but on their courage and conviction. His words, before they went to battle, were a rallying cry that stirred their hearts, fortifying their spirits to stand firm against overwhelming odds. Just as Edelman listens to inspirational speeches to ignite his own inner fire, the Spartans relied on the power of words to transform their resolve and sharpen their focus. They knew that, while the body may grow tired, it is the mind and the heart that must carry them through the most trying of battles.

Consider the great orators of ancient times, whose speeches were not merely tools of persuasion but tools of transformation. Cicero, the Roman statesman, was known for his ability to rally the people with his stirring words, igniting within them a sense of purpose and unity. His speeches were more than just rhetoric; they were a form of mental training, designed to elevate the spirit and strengthen the resolve of those who heard them. In much the same way, Edelman’s choice to listen to inspirational speeches while training is not a frivolous one; it is a purposeful act of preparing his mind to endure the grind of physical effort and to transcend it. The wisdom of the ancients teaches us that true strength does not come from the body alone but from the mind, the spirit, and the will to persevere when the odds are against us.

The powerful role that words play in shaping the human experience is timeless. In the same way that the great warriors and leaders of the past understood the influence of inspirational speeches, so too do we, in our own times, use words to guide and transform us. The speeches Edelman listens to are not mere entertainment; they are tools of empowerment, lifting his mind to a higher plane so that his body can follow. Just as a warrior enters battle with the belief in their cause, so too does Edelman enter his training with the belief in his ability to rise above the physical pain, to become something greater than himself. His mental preparation, sparked by these speeches, is the foundation upon which his physical performance is built.

The lesson we can take from this is clear: in all things, we must cultivate both physical and mental strength. The body alone cannot carry us to greatness; it is the mind and the spirit that guide the body through the hardest of trials. Edelman’s routine of listening to inspirational speeches serves as a reminder that we must tend to both aspects of ourselves—not only to train our bodies, but also to nurture our minds and spirits. When we face challenges, whether on the field of battle or in the quieter, unseen moments of life, it is the strength of our resolve, our mental fortitude, that will see us through. Like the Spartans of old, we too must prepare ourselves to face the grind, to endure the struggles, and to rise above them with courage and focus.

To future generations, remember this: strength is not only built through physical exertion, but through the constant nurturing of the mind, the heart, and the soul. In moments of hardship, when the body grows weary, it is the power of your thoughts, your beliefs, and your will that will carry you forward. Seek inspiration in words, in the wisdom of those who have come before you, and in the stories of those who have overcome the impossible. Like Edelman, use inspirational speeches or whatever form of empowerment you need to fuel your mind, to keep your spirit sharp and focused. Let your words, your thoughts, and your beliefs guide you to a future of strength, resilience, and victory.